Garden Park staff members karaoke for a cure

GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -

Garden Park Medical Center staff members showed off their karaoke skills Monday to help find a cure for a deadly disease. "Garden Park Idol" is a first time event to raise money to support breast cancer awareness.

The cafeteria at Garden Park Medical Center transformed into a karaoke club as doctors and nurses danced and sang their favorite tunes, like the classic "YMCA," before a live audience.

Organizer Olivia Boone said the music event supports breast cancer awareness, which is no laughing matter.

"We have had a lot of employees here lately who have come up with breast cancer. Actually, my best friend from high school was recently diagnosed with cancer, ovarian cancer stage three," Boone said. "This is a very important cause, not only for me, but a lot of employees here at Garden Park."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women. That's why Mammographer Linda Thomas said it's vital to find a cure.

"In my family, I had my mother and three aunts and a cousin all have breast cancer. And it is increasing, especially in younger women," Thomas said.

Thomas said early detection is also a life saver, and she encourages women 35 and older to get an annual checkup.

"We can't cure you, but we can find breast cancer when it is smaller than the dot of a pen. And when we can find it that small, the cure rate is just incredible."

Monday's singers raked in around $400. And the karaoke lovers hope the funds will provide hope and help to those in need.

"It lets all the breast cancer patients know we support them. We love them, and we care for them."